Bearing “Fruit” That Passes to Generations
As we move into Mother’s Day weekend, I would like to share a few thoughts that have been on my heart.
Last weekend we went to visit my grandmother. Over the past six months, we have video chatted, but this was the first time my grandma had met my son in person. He adored her, of course, and as I watched her holding and talking to him, I felt thankful for the opportunity for my son to know my grandma.
When I was growing up, I had the privilege of knowing my great-grandmother. Without the technology we have now, my Grandma Dee and I were pen pals. We wrote each other frequently, and until this day, I treasure the pile of letters I have kept all these years. Her letters were encouraging, shared a glimpse of her life, and always expressed her devotion to the Lord.
These women, along with my own mother and her mother, share one distinct trait. They all loved the Lord and set an example for their children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren.
Proverbs 22:6 says: “Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he grows older he will not abandon it.” You have probably heard this verse many times. You may even have it printed as décor somewhere in your house. But one aspect of “training up a child” is YOUR life reflecting Christ.
Whether you are a mother or not, the choices you make now and the legacy you leave impact future generations.
That is a HUGE responsibility, but it is also a gift.
Proverbs 31:26 says: “She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
A mother’s gentle spirit, steadfast faith, and wise words often preach louder than a sermon ever could. Through good times and hard times, we have the opportunity to point those around us to Christ. In hard times, specifically, choosing integrity, faith, truth, and love becomes a powerful testimony. In the moments of pressure and when you are simply downright overwhelmed, the way you respond leaves an imprint on the hearts of those watching you.
All the women before me in my family have been faced with challenges, unimaginable hardships, and grief. But they all chose to keep their faith in Christ through it all, and that choice has impacted me and others around them.
John 15:5-8 comes to mind as a reminder that remaining true to Christ results in our lives blossoming with fruit, which brings glory to the Lord.
“I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown away like a branch and dries up; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.”
What is fruit? When you are striving to follow Christ and live as a godly woman, the fruit of the Spirit will shine through you like sun rays bursting forth, warming the hearts of everyone it touches. Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the traits of a godly woman—a godly mother.
Motherhood is hard. And sometimes it is difficult to exhibit all the fruit of the Spirit. But in those hard moments, remember that what you are doing is making a difference—not just a difference in this moment, but a difference for future generations. If you are not a mother, how you live your life—striving to be a godly woman—also makes a difference.
Philippians 4:8 says: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
A godly woman is not marked by perfection, but by a heart that continually turns back to the Lord in every season—through joy, weariness, and trials. Leave a legacy. Let your life bear fruit that passes to the next generation.
